Dinner is served at Burlington Dismas House, which provides transitional housing for men and women released from prison. / LYNN MONTY/FREE PRESS

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Free Press Staff Writer

Taco salad and a homemade French apple tart were on the menu at Dismas house one night last week. Long-time volunteer Kelly Thomas of Shelburne prepared the meal with help from James Savard, 38, a resident at the transitional housing facility.

“Being here is a blessing and an opportunity,” Savard said as he sliced avocado for the taco salad.

Thomas cooks dinner once a month for Dismas House.

“She taught me how to cut avocado, and take the core out, the last time she was here,” Savard said.

Burlington Dismas House Director Kimberly Parsons said the non-profit provides transitional housing for men and women released from prison, because reconciling former prisoners with society and society with former prisoners is vital.

Free Press: How would Chittenden County be different without Dismas House?

Kimberly Parsons: Dismas House started in 1986 as a grass-roots organization by members of the community to address the need for after-prison transitional support. Burlington Dismas House is the largest and longest running provider of post-prison housing in Chittenden County.

Without post-prison housing opportunities, the taxpayers pay approximately $58,000 per year to keep someone in prison past their minimum sentence, when instead, they could be out, finding jobs, earning a living and contributing to the community.

The support that the former prisoners need immediately upon release from prison includes a structured, family-like living situation; daily interaction with volunteers who cook and share dinner each evening; and the expectation that residents of Dismas House participate wholeheartedly in the activities of the household. Dismas volunteers and former prisoners interact with mutual respect, which has proven to be a powerful support toward success. Many volunteers have offered their support to the residents of Dismas House for years.

Burlington Dismas has served more than 660 men and women transitioning back into their community. Dismas has a track record of positive reintegration and reduced recidivism rates. Without Dismas House in Chittenden County, significantly fewer people would successfully re-enter society and the costs to taxpayers of more re-incarceration would be significantly higher.

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FP: What state or federal funding cuts have you suffered in the past five years?

KP: Primarily, Dismas House has had to grow more slowly than the need has grown.

The state funding from the Department of Corrections has been essentially level over the recession. The fact that our state funding hasn’t been cut is an acknowledgment by the Department of Corrections of the success of Dismas House. Dismas House saves the state tens of thousands of dollars annually.

We also continue to receive modest federal funding through Burlington’s Community Block Grant program for repairs to the Buell Street house, which we appreciate deeply.

The United Way supports the Burlington Dismas House with an annual award that is vital. We are always working to find funding for our programs.

FP: What innovative ways have you been able to sustain yourself?

KP: We have looked to our strength of being community–based and community–supported by reaching out to local donors. They understand that during a recession, meeting basic human needs is even more challenging. And, although many donors were hard hit by the recession, their continued support is a testament to their generosity and dedication.

FP: What innovative plans are you implementing for the future?

KP: We currently have two satellite apartments for seven Dismas graduates who are ready to take the next steps toward independence and who want a drug and alcohol free home, ongoing contact with Dismas staff, and the support of other residents. We view this program as critical for success in re-entering society and we are looking at ways to strengthen it.

FP: What does the future hold for Dismas House?

KP: Dismas House of Vermont is a statewide organization, with two houses in Burlington and Winooski and one in Rutland. There are other communities that would benefit from a Dismas House program. We’ll continue to reach out with our model, as an opportunity for positive, community–based change in the corrections system. For example, a fourth Dismas House, in Hartford, will open in early 2014.

FP: What do you currently need?

KP: We always need financial support. Additionally, we need volunteers to cook and join evening meals; volunteers to help with the Phone-a-Thon; donations of items for the Dinner Auction; and we need help replacing our aging van that we use for outings. I’m glad to say that we have a strong board and we welcome talented people who are interested in being board members.